On October 11, 2023, it was reported that high school students’ ACT scores have been at the lowest they’ve been in more than 30 years. In 1991, the average composite score was 20.6 and was based on 797,000 students who had graduated in the previous spring (Los Angeles Times).
“The average Composite score on the ACT test fell to 19.5 for the class of 2023, a decline of 0.3 points from 2022, according to data released today by ACT…” (ACT Newsroom & Blog).
Test scores were already decreasing over the past six years, but the decline accelerated during the pandemic. The chief executive officer Janet Godwin says this is due to a lack of preparation given to the graduates for post-secondary education.
“The hard truth is that we are not doing enough to ensure that graduates are truly ready for postsecondary success in college and career.”
The ACT is state state-wide requirement, but it is also seen as something that just adds unnecessary stress, especially when students have so much riding on this test alone.
Amelia Harris, a senior at Thomas Worthington shared her experience and views on taking the ACT.
“I hired an outside tutor, who was highly recommended from within the Thomas and Worthington schools area. I am a horrible test taker, and I felt that she would be astronomically helpful in preparing for this dumb test,” Harris said.
Not only do you have to get outside help, but it takes months to study for.
“I took the ACT in March and June,” Harris continued. “The one in March I started studying for in January, and then the one in June I probably started studying in April.”
While these tests are useful for placing students in the correct college classes and are seen as “incredibly important”, there are some students who see them as a waste of time and money.
“I think it’s not an accurate reflection of students’ abilities,” Harris reflected. “We pay out, what is it, a 100 bucks for this test? And it’s just to pay more money to get into college”
When only 21% of students met all of the benchmarks compared to the 43% that met none, it shows how unprepared students are for college, and how high school teachers aren’t doing enough to help develop their skills in these areas. Because of this, students have to find tutors and pay extra money to prepare for this test. The route we’re taking in preparation for the ACT is not the right one and needs to be adjusted, and it shows in the scores.
